Ziay!

Jason S

stopping? PS any driving tips? Well there was a question up asking does it wreck ur engine if u put ur car from D to N ..and yeah it doesnt but im just curious why would people do that? I also saw my dad slam it into 1st gear when stopping ...why?? You tell me

I heard it has something to do with stopping faster..
Thanks in advance!

NobleSavage

When Im stopped at a light I sometimes have my car in neutral...I drive a 6 speed. I should have it in 1st with brakes...like I do when I ride motorcycle but in car you get lazy. Could be dangerous for cars behind you who won't see brake lights.

Your dad was "down shifting". Yes, it helps brake faster but ppl down shift during normal driving too to run rpm higher. Running RPM higher willl either give you more get up or help you slow car down depending on whether you are accelerating or not.

Toot

By putting the car in a lower gear, it helps slow down the car and you'll use your breaks less. I often use neutral when going downhill to use less gas as well.

Firebird

Why not? You tell me. Putting it in neutral when stopped doesn't do anything, but it may alleviate the boredom of the driver.

When stopping, if you downshift, it'll speed up the engine, and increase engine braking. You must have noticed that.

tucsondude

Two things: Never put it in neutral downhill, it not only uses more gas but is also dangerous, believe it or not a idling car uses more gas than a car coasting with no gas pedal input. The other is slowing down a car using the gears puts a terrible strain on the transmission. Ask any mechanic if they have ever used the expression "brake pads are cheaper than gears".